2050: Degrees of Change

Recent and more frequent floods, tornadoes and other extreme weather events in Ottawa, Canada have made me think a little harder about how climate change has and will continue to increasingly affect the lives of families throughout our region, both now and in the longer term.  Each time a weather-related crisis occurs and our lives are disrupted for hours/days/weeks, I have asked myself, are we really prepared for a +2ºC world?  Will the institutions and infrastructure that we all rely upon be able to withstand the challenges that arise as a result of climate change?

After joining the organizing committee for Mindtrust’s Global Leadership Forum, I searched for some background material that would provide me with a glimpse of life in the future.  I found an excellent podcast series on the CBC website called 2050: Degrees of Change that helped me to better understand what may be in store for all of us.  I do not wish to be overly dramatic, but after listening to the podcast series, I am even more convinced of the urgency and necessity of providing as many young leaders as possible with opportunities to gain the skills and ties with other young leaders that will help sustain society in the coming years.  I encourage others to become aware and to become involved as well.